The glutathione in BSS PLUS^® Solution is taken up by corneal endothelial cells¹ and helps protect them from free radicals produced by the surgical incision, the microscope light and the phacoemulsification probe. Additionally, BSS PLUS^® provides intraocular tissues with glucose for an energy source and bicarbonate, a natural buffer. Together they promote normal corneal thickness and enhance the endothelial pump function.

Surgically-induced corneal or retinal edema may be caused by:

• Low corneal endothelial cell counts
• Mechanical trauma from instruments used in phacoemulsification and vitrectomy
• Toxic effect on the tissues from:
  • drugs
  • light sources
  • solutions
  • oxygen-free radicals
  • preservatives

1. Edelhauser HF, Amass R, Lambert R. Intraocular Irrigating Solutions. In: Textbook of Ocular Pharmacology. Philadelphia: Lippincott - Ravin Publishers, 1997, p. 638.